On 28 and 29 October, we took part in the 3rd Catalunya Circular Congress, held at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB). This leading event brought together companies, public administrations, clusters, knowledge centres and other organisations committed to promoting the circular economy in Catalonia.
Over the two days, we had the opportunity to share experiences, discover initiatives and exchange perspectives on the challenges of the transition to a circular economy and the opportunities it offers across different productive sectors.
A space to connect businesses and create new opportunities
We had our own stand throughout both days of the congress, which became a meeting point for companies, organisations and professionals from the waste management and circular economy sectors.
Our presence allowed us to raise awareness of the CREC’s activities, share projects and initiatives with other ecosystem stakeholders and, above all, build new connections and collaboration opportunities. Throughout the event, we engaged in conversations and exchanged experiences that helped us identify common interests and potential areas for joint work.
These spaces reinforce our role as a cluster: connecting stakeholders across the waste value chain, fostering collaboration between companies and creating new opportunities to move towards a more circular economy.
Waste managers: a key cog in the transition towards a circular economy
One of the highlights of our participation was the session “Waste Managers: A Key Cog in the Transition Towards a Circular Economy”, held on 29 October in the Main Hall and moderated by Carmen López-Quintana, Cluster Manager at CREC.
During her opening remarks, Carmen highlighted the meaning behind the session’s title: the sector’s value chain works like a system of interconnected cogs, each representing the companies and stakeholders that form part of it. Every cog plays an essential role, and it is through combined efforts, coordination and collaboration that the entire chain can function and move towards a shared goal. This reflection captures the essence of cluster-based work: bringing different stakeholders together so that, by working collectively, we can create greater value for the sector as a whole.
The session focused on the role of waste managers beyond their traditional functions, exploring how they can become strategic players in transforming production models, recovering resources and developing new circular solutions.
Professionals from different areas of the value chain took part in the discussion:
- Ramon Farreny, co-founder of inèdit
- Elisabet Alier, Corporate Director at Alier..
- Alberto Perlado,Director of Treatment and Circular Economy at PreZero
- Pilar Vázquez, Director of Fundación Ecolum
- Alba Galofré,Head of Environmental Education Services at SIRESA..
The diversity of profiles and experiences allowed us to explore the role of waste managers from different perspectives, exchange views on the sector’s challenges and highlight their ability to contribute to a more efficient and competitive circular economy.
Continuing to connect the sector and drive the transition towards a circular economy
Our participation in the 3rd Catalunya Circular Congress was another opportunity to strengthen our presence within the circular economy ecosystem, showcase the work we do at CREC and build relationships with companies and organisations committed to transforming the sector.
We would like to thank the congress organisers and everyone who visited our stand, as well as the speakers who took part in our session, for their involvement and valuable contributions.
We continue to connect businesses, share knowledge and foster collaboration to turn the challenges facing the waste sector into new opportunities.
